Chemical Peel — Glycolic and Retinol

DermaStar offers medical-grade chemical peels using Neostrata glycolic acid (plant-derived) and a retinol peel option. The glycolic acid is applied to the face, neck, décolletage, or back (for acne), allowed to work for several minutes, then neutralised and rinsed. The treatment accelerates skin turnover, improving texture, brightness, and mild pigmentation without the downtime of laser resurfacing. A mild redness lasting several hours is normal. The clinic recommends a course of 3–4 sessions at 2–4 week intervals. Suitable from adolescence upward, including minors with parental consent for acne management.

Chemical peeling is a technique in which one or more exfoliating acids are applied to the skin to accelerate the natural turnover of the stratum corneum (the outermost dead-skin layer) and the upper layers of the viable epidermis. Controlled removal of these layers stimulates compensatory repair: fibroblasts increase collagen synthesis, keratinocytes proliferate, and new skin emerges smoother, more even in tone, and with a better-organised surface architecture. At DermaStar, peels are positioned as part of a broader skin-improvement programme rather than a standalone treatment. The acids used include: **Glycolic acid (Neostrata)** — a small-molecule alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. Glycolic acid penetrates the skin more readily than larger AHAs and has the most robust clinical evidence base for improving fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and acne-prone skin texture. Neostrata is a dermatologist-grade brand with consistent standardised formulations. The concentration applied at DermaStar is clinical grade (higher than any over-the-counter product) and requires physician supervision. **Retinol peel** — retinol (vitamin A) at peel concentrations stimulates cell turnover and collagen production through a different mechanism from AHAs. Retinol peels are particularly beneficial for photodamage, fine lines, and uneven texture in patients who have used topical retinoids and are ready for a more intensive in-clinic treatment. The treatment protocol: the skin is first cleansed thoroughly. The acid solution is applied evenly across the target area with a brush or gauze. The physician monitors skin response — usually some mild tingling — and neutralises the peel at the appropriate endpoint (a defined time or visual endpoint). The neutraliser stops the reaction immediately, and a soothing/protective cream is applied to complete the session. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Post-treatment, mild erythema (redness) is expected for several hours. Some patients notice a very light flaking or peeling at days 3–5, particularly with higher-concentration formulations; this is superficial and resolves without intervention. Avoid saunas, swimming pools, intense physical activity, and direct sun exposure on the day of treatment. Peels are suitable across a wide age range. Teenagers and young adults with acne particularly benefit from regular glycolic treatments, which reduce comedone formation, clear active breakouts, and gradually improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The clinic treats minors with parental consent. Patients with atopic eczema or very sensitive/rosacea-prone skin should discuss suitability with the physician, as more pronounced erythema or barrier irritation is possible. The recommended course of 3–4 sessions at 2–4 week intervals allows the skin to cycle through 1–2 complete turnover cycles between treatments, maximising cumulative improvement while maintaining skin barrier integrity.